1 Since Christ suffered physically for us, you too must strengthen yourselves with the same way of thinking that he had. Whoever suffers physically has ceased from sin.

2 From now on you must live the rest of your earthly lives controlled by God’s will and not by human desires lusts.

3 You have spent enough time in the past doing what unbelievers like to do. Your lives were spent in indecency, lusts, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and the disgusting worship of idols false gods.

4 They think it strange that you do not run with them in wild and reckless living and they speak evil about you.

5 They will give account to him that is ready to judge the living and the dead.

6 The good news was preached for this purpose even to the dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but may live according to God in the spirit.

7 The end of all things is near. Be of sound mind and judgment. Also be sober for the purpose of prayer.

8 Above all things have intense love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins.

9 Be hospitable to one another without complaining.

10 According to the gift you have received, minister among yourselves, as good stewards of the increased grace divine influencelove of God.

11 If any man speaks, speak as it were utterances of God. If any man ministers, minister with the strength which God supplies! May God be glorified in all things through Jesus Christ. The glory and dominion belong to God forever and ever. Amen.

12 Beloved ones do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, for it comes upon you like a test, as though some strange thing were happening to you.

13 As much as you are partakers of Christ’s sufferings, rejoice; that at the revelation of his glory you also may rejoice with exceeding joy.

14 If you are reproached for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.

15 Let none of you suffer as a murderer, or a thief, or an evildoer, or as a meddler in other people’s business.

16 If a man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God in this name.

17 For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God. If it begins with us first what will it be like in the end for those who do not obey the good news of God?

18 If the righteous is scarcely saved, where shall the ungodly and sinners appear?

19 Let them also that suffer according to the will of God commend themselves in well doing to a faithful Creator.